In today's VOX Daily, Dave DeAndrea gives you four amazing reasons as to why participating in the online world via sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook will make you more visible, engaging, and relevant in the voice over industry.

The Necessity of Social Networking

I've eavesdropped on a few conversations between Voice Actors regarding social networking and something I commonly hear is, "That's such a waste of time." I'd mention these people by name... but I'll refrain.

Know why?

Because you've never heard of them. They're not on "the grid" of social networking.

Question: Is it possible to be a successful Voice Actor without utilizing social networking?

Answer: Absolutely. But let me offer 4 reasons why I believe that social networking is worth the investment of time.

1. Recognition (For crying out loud! It's free exposure!)

There are lots of ways to get your name out there and most of them cost money. Why not take advantage of the many ways to connect with other actors and clients that don't cost you anything but a little bit of time between auditions and sessions?

2. Relationships

When I finally got the Jeep Wrangler I always wanted, I quickly learned that I had inadvertently become a member of a secret society. Other Jeep People would wave a friendly acknowledgment as we passed each other... an unspoken understanding that we shared a common interest (by the way...this NEVER happens when I drive our minivan).

As Voice Actors, we're not likely to spot others that share our common love of VO outside of workshops and conventions. Most of us don't walk around with a microphone, so it's great to have places online to go where we can meet people who "get it". And that leads to...

3. Resources

Social networking sites can be wonderful places to learn and find solutions to problems. More often than not, there's a tech guy lurking in the "logged in" list who's more than happy to help you figure out where that annoying high-pitched noise is coming from... a VO Veteran who'd be willing to offer advice on your demo... a fellow actor of the opposite sex who'd love to try that 2-person conversational audition with you. And who knows? You could be a great resource for someone else.

4. Referrals

This one is HUGE! I've been on the giving and receiving end of this key career component.

A client may have already hired one of your VO buddies, but it's a multi-voice project... so the client asks them if they know anyone who might be good for one of the other roles. I know I'm over-simplifying this, but they can't recommend you if they don't know you.

And what about securing an agent? Maybe you know an actor that the agent already represents. You can have "referred by (insert name of Voice Actor whom the agent represents)" in the subject line of you email inquiry or you can put "seeking representation." The former will get you listened to... the latter will get you deleted.

Side note: Be sure to talk with the Voice Actor before you use them as a referral and talk with them about the agency, etc.

To listen to this article, visit my podcast on Voice Over Experts on my faculty member profile here:

Are You Social Networking?

Comments

Great article Dave! I'm diving more and more into the social networking and I am meeting a lot of great people. As a matter of fact I believe I first Dave on facebook via the voices.com page. While I have not been on the giving or receiving end (yet) of the network scene in terms of work, I have met a lot of great people in the business and have learned a lot from their experience and advice, which incidently, they give out free.

This is a great business filled with great people. Thanks for the insight!
God bless,
Paul Hernandez

Dave is absolutely on point. Social networking can be fun and productive...and sometimes addictive. (laughing) I'm a bit surprised that more haven't chimed in on this topic. Maybe they're Twittering.(laughing again)

I have met many wonderful new friends this way and it definitely creates a sense of community. I believe it's essential, however, to always present yourself in a professional manner, and know when it's time to get back to work. Work? Oh that's right, we vo peeps are having so much fun voice-talking, it's not really like... real work. ;)

Great guidelines and concept. I can see where social media could be a great launching pad for a wide range of projects and new ideas. There seems to be a growing trend for business networking to expand into social media networking. Social media could be a great platform for getting the word out and sharpening your skills, not to mention creating relationships.